Shock-Absorbing Conveyor Boom with Hinged Distal Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesters' discharge booms are prone to damage when contacted by vehicles moving at different speeds, leading to operational interruptions and damage.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing discharge conveyor boom with a proximal and distal frame portion supporting a laterally flexible endless belt, where the distal portion is hingedly connected and biased to pivot horizontally, allowing lateral deflection to absorb physical shocks, and a biasing device maintains longitudinal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the boom is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the strength and stability are improved, but the damage from contact with vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is designed with a hinged distal portion that can pivot horizontally, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic one. This allows the boom to deflect laterally when contacted by vehicles, absorbing impact forces without structural damage, while maintaining longitudinal stability through a biasing device that returns it to alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device pre-configures the boom in a longitudinal alignment and provides a restoring force that cushions against lateral deflections. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures the boom can withstand contact forces without permanent deformation or damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the boom is made flexible to absorb shocks, then the resistance to contact damage is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into a proximal frame portion and a distal frame portion, with the distal portion hingedly connected. This segmentation allows the distal portion to pivot independently for shock absorption, while the proximal portion maintains overall structural stability and alignment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the distal portion is allowed to pivot freely to absorb shocks, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the longitudinal alignment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device provides a restoring force that acts as feedback to return the distal portion to its longitudinal alignment after lateral deflection. This ensures the boom maintains its proper orientation for discharge operations while still allowing shock absorption through temporary pivoting
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The boom can withstand minor impacts without significant damage and continues operation by deflecting laterally to absorb shocks, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing device is coupled between the proximal frame portion and the distal frame portion. The biasing device is configured to bias the distal frame portion toward longitudinal alignment with the proximal frame portion, and to resist horizontal deflection of the distal frame portion relative to the proximal frame portion.
Implementation Method 2
The distal frame portion is pivotal in a generally horizontal plane. The distal frame portion is pivotal in a generally horizontal plane, and is biased toward longitudinal alignment with the proximal frame portion, whereby physical shock applied to the distal portion can be absorbed by lateral deflection of the distal portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock-absorbing conveyor boom includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, hingedly connected to the proximal portion, the proximal and distal portions supporting a laterally flexible endless conveyor belt. The distal portion is pivotal in a generally horizontal plane, and is biased toward longitudinal alignment with the proximal portion, whereby physical shock applied to the distal portion can be absorbed by lateral deflection of the distal portion.